Socorro Police Unable To Retain Officers

by Martin Bartlett

SOCORRO — Despite the enormous growth of the city, the Socorro Police Department is losing staff at an alarming rate.

In late 2007, the department had 25 police officers monitoring the streets. Less than a month later, that number is down to 21. Even the police chief has left the department.

According to census figures, the city’s population stood at 27,000 in 2000. Police Chief Bill Mansion said he estimates the current population of his city to be 38,000.

“As a police department, we have to stay ahead of the curve. If you don’t, then you end up playing catch-up,” said Mansion.

According to Mansion, his department is losing officers to bigger law enforcement agencies that pay more money.

Residents say these numbers are alarming considering the growth of their city. “My friends told me there were a lot of officers, but I don’t see many,” said Liliana Vaquera, who recently bought at home.

Vaquera said she would be willing to pay more taxes in order to help keep the officers in Socorro. “It would mean more protection, so it would be okay to pay a little more,” she said.

Mansion said his department is currently accepting applications. To download an application click on the link provided at the upper left-hand corner of this page.